JOLLY Ken Noon is retiring from the Santa Claus business after 11 years of making children's dreams come true.

Chester's most famous Father Christmas will don the legendary red robe and white beard for the last time this year.

The 72-year-old, of Gateshead Drive, Upton, said: 'I have made many friends and I know I shall miss it. I love every moment of it.

'Seeing the world from a big white beard gives you a different outlook on life and having a big smile on your face is one of the finest feelings you can ever have.'

And Mr Noon, who has toured Chester, North Wales and the Liverpool area while playing Father Christmas, says there is more to the job than just putting on a costume and shouting 'Ho Ho Ho'.

He said: 'It's a way of life, it's not simply about being a children's entertainer, it's an attitude.

'It's not just about dressing up, turning up once a year, giving out a few presents and then disappearing back to the North Pole. It takes years of training to be Father Christmas.

'What children expect from Father Christmas is perfection. I try to uphold high standards and obey the professional code of conduct to never bring the name of Santa into disrepute.'

But for Mr Noon the best part of the job is the happiness he can bring to children: 'You can see it in their eyes. They believe in him, you are someone who can make wishes come true.'

Mr Noon has noticed that in recent years children's wish lists have changed dramatically. 'At one time the children asked for a doll's pram or a bike, but now it's mobile phones and computers,' he said.

And the dedicated patron of St Nicholas intends to go out with a bang on his last year.

He said: 'This year I intend to learn some sign language so I can visit one or two children with hearing impairment.

'I shall also be visiting again any children or adults who have a disability and are unable to get to see Santa.

'Santa is not just for children, he is for the elderly and lonely too. I can visit hospitals, schools and nurseries.'

' SANTA Claus is coming to town and he wants all the children to greet him when he arrives.

Mr Noon will arrive at Chester Railway Station on Thursday at 6.30pm and he can't wait to meet the children to find out what they want him to deliver on Christmas Eve.

Mr Noon is accepting bookings from November 14 until December 23.

Children can write to him with their wish list at Santa's Office,

Box 365,

GPO Sorting Office, Chester. Please enclose a stamped addressed envelope for a reply, or a donation for the Cancer Research Campaign.